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Balboa's 96th Annual
Christmas Boat Parade
is an event that's a must
for everyone. |
For nearly a century the week before Christmas
is an event that draws thousands of people from all over the
globe, and this Christmas will be no different. One of the best
places to view the Boat Parade is at the Balboa Island Ferry
Landing at Fun Zone on the Balboa Peninsula. Be sure to dress warm
because this is the coldest time of the year.
This year the Boat Parade will run from December 15th thru
the 19th.
Even better then watching the parade, you can be a part of it. You
can rent a boat or ride in the Boat Parade on one of several boats
that are a part of the Boat Parade. Here are some of them:
Catalina
Passenger Service
Davey's
Locker
Fun
Zone Boat Co.
Marina
Water Sports
Newport
Landing Sport Fishing
Newport
Whale Watching
Shellback
Yacht Cruises
WANT TO HAVE A DINNER VIEW?
Harborside Restaurant
Newport Landing Restaurant
Jim & Readers:
Just a note since The Rendezvous has been a topic lately. I lived
in Newport ( 32nd & Lake-room above single garage-still there)
from late 1959 until 1969. Besides working for Hank's Ocean Front
Cafe (was there that fateful day President John F. Kennedy was
assassinated) on the front at Newport Pier then next to Blackie's,
I played in various bands around O.C. The one which concerns The
Rendezvous was named "The Centurions". In 1962 we played several
Friday nights then alternated with "Dick Dale & the Deltones",
"The Rhythm Rockers", and others for about a year or so, playing
also Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Riverside Armory, Harmony Park
and an host of "surfer stomp" halls around So. Cal. In 1966 a surf
band named "The Cindermen" played the last show in the old
Rendezvous Ballroom, ironically, as it again burned down, gone but
not forgotten!! Fast-forward to 1995-one of our songs "Bullwinkle
Pt.II" was chosen for the movie "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack and wow
the surfin' sound was back, and no Rendezvous! There's more but
will end here. Thanks for a great site, Jim
Charly Son
Hi, Jim, is there a message board or some other link where I can
read others' views and memories of Balboa? I can't seem to locate
it...
Jamie Colangelo
Hi'ya! Some friends and I are looking for a shore line restaurant
to enjoy the Christmas Boast Parade. Any suggestions? Prefer, of
course, a seafood menu, cost is not a factor if the view is worth
it!
Danielle
hi,
we have a house on apolena and was wondering where the street got
it's name?? i havel looked up a lot of info and only can surmise
it came from somebody's last name??
brenda hayes
Hi Blabman - Just wanted to drop you a line and wish you a good
week. I'm really enjoying your photo of the month, and of course
I've been checking out the webcam. Love the weather right now! See
you soon.
Roseanna Jara (Wife of Ron)
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Visit
TalesOfBalboa Gallery
On The Fun Zone Boardwalk |
This series of paintings was made for the Balboa Pavilion by
Susan Newcomb.
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2nd Wednesday of the Month
Book Club Luncheon 1PM
Bibi
Anna's
675-8146
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THE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
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It was 1913 when the enterprising
Walter Gustin promoted an event featuring lighted boats
which was called the Illuminated Water Parade, and prizes
were awarded. Similar events were staged again in 1919 and
1920, resulting in the establishment of the "Balboa
Tournament of Lights" in 1921. While support for this
event came from both the Island and the Peninsula. Soon
there were fleets of rowboats, canoes, and small
sailboats. Even motorboats, power cruisers and large
auxiliaries became a common sight. By 1929, scores of
decorated and illuminated power craft were towing their
quota of small craft. As each tournament followed, the
decorations became more varied and imaginative. In 1929,
Governor C.C. Young stated, "It's one of the most
beautiful things I have ever seen! I think its most
charming feature is its freedom from commercialism."
Today's Christmas Boat Parade has over a hundred boats and
draws thousands of people each night of its run during the
last week before Christmas
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For More London's Times
The main reason Santa is always so jolly is because he knows where all the naughty girls live.
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